The
version I tested was an advanced beta version, and had a few limits. One
such limit was the ability to only route analog inputs into the analog
output and force HDCP on HDMI content. This is one downside that Algolith
has unofficially stated thkey will fix very soon in a future firmware
release.

Many features that we've gotten used to from most video
processors have not been implemented in the DragonFly, and I would hope that
they get added soon. This includes custom output video timing (a critical
issue for many display types that have non-standard native resolution
timing), customized aspect ratios, underscan/overscan support, and test
patterns. Algolith has stated that they will look into these features and
may implement them in later firmware releases, but that they are focusing
on functionality and stability in the next release.

The focus on projectors has the DragonFly making
some interesting assumptions. First, there is clear focus on keystone
correction, angle adjustments, and rotation features. Keystone can be
corrected digitally (i.e., by deforming the picture vs. trying to correct
these issues optically) in a variety of ways – either by moving each corner
of the image to its dedicated location or by specifically setting vertical
and horizontal keystone ratios. Obviously, correcting these issues optically
is a better solution, but the ability to do this digitally, with very little
visible artifacts as a result, is a nice addition. Color temperature and
gamma adjustment features, however, are eye raising as they assume a base
gamma curve and color temperature from the display that we haven't been
notified about. These two features would make a lot more sense if the unit
was bundled with a specific projector, but given the history of DragonFly
and Silicon Optix demos, I have a feeling these features were optimized for
the JVC HD2K projector. Fiddling through the options I found it hard to
imagine how people might use them realistically for other displays.

From a PQ (Picture Quality) standpoint, HQV
de-interlacing is delivered just as promised, and in my opinion, it clearly surpasses other de-interlacing algorithms I've tested. Realta/HQV
seems to be in a completely new category. When compared
with more recent efforts, like the ABT102, the differences are not as big,
and although I saw more benefits for HQV (less combing, slightly better
resolution), the main differences is a "different look" between the
algorithms. i.e., in cases where one of the algorithms might work better,
the other might be resolving slightly lower details. I would say that HQV is
the king of the hill right now, but other new systems are very close on HQV's
heels.

There are two benefits that DragonFly offers beyond
other scalers at the moment. First, it does full HD de-interlacing (video and
film). Except for the recently added competitor, the Crystalio II, no other
processor has this feature at this level of quality. Testing HD sources was
a real pleasure, and my usual test sequence (Lilu chase scene from The Fifth
Element) in 1080i was unusually clear and detailed.

Movie content at 1080i
uses 2:2 and 3:2 cadences with only occasional bad editing, but sports
content filmed at 1080i video mode will likely benefit greatly from this
feature.

The second unique feature offered by the DragonFly is
the Noise Reduction Option. Essentially, this is a mini version of the
Mosquito for SD content running through the DragonFly. Personally, I find it
difficult to watch digital SD content from satellite sources without it
running through the Mosquito. Whereas the Mosquito focuses on two different
MPEG artifacts: mosquito noise (hence the name) and block/macroblock noise
(BAR = Block Artifact Removal), the DragonFly only focuses on mosquito noise
in SD content. This algorithm works quite nicely, but realistically, if MPEG
noise is seriously bugging you, you should consider the Tick or Mosquito
(other Algolith processors) for
a more complete solution!

I found that the DragonFly variation removed a bit too
much details for my taste, as the image just looked too "clean" and without
enough details. This can be countered by DragonFly's detail enhancement
feature that causes a lot of "oohs" and "wows" in demos, but adds too much
EE (Edge Enhancement) sharpness artifacts for my own preference.

In terms of scaling, the Realta is supposed to
have a very powerful 1024 tap solution, but I did not find it significantly
more detailed than other solutions already available today. During testing, I
found that the digital output on the DragonFly produced dramatically better
results than the analog output, but this might be a result of my display's
analog input resolution, I haven't needed to use analog inputs for processor
testing for the last few years, as most processors provide DVI or HDMI
outputs that can route both analog and digital inputs.

The DragonFly's remote is a dramatic leap from the
Mosquito's original huge remote. Calling it tiny would be a serious
understatement. It is miniscule and is clearly intended to be used as an
interim solution, as such a processor would usually be integrated into a
controlled environment with either a macro-enabled remote or a full Crestron/AMX
style control system. Still, I found the remote's range and usability very
neat, and beyond ensuring that the remote doesn't get lost, it's a
satisfactory item.

Conclusions

From a video processing standpoint, the Algolith
DragonFly is a great de-interlacer/scaler. It has many de-interlacing features and ultimately
resolves a near optimal picture. Functionally, however, this scaler still
has a ways to go to meet the level of features that we expect from such
products. High-end projector owners (1080p) will like many of the features
on this processor, and although it may not do everything they want from a
feature standpoint, it can do a lot of things other scalers are incapable of
performing.